Recently, more people have become aware that tooth position affects not only the appearance of their smile but also overall facial balance. One condition frequently associated with a tilted or uneven facial appearance is crossbite.
The most common questions are:
Can facial asymmetry caused by crossbite be corrected without surgery?
Is Invisalign effective enough to address it?
The answer depends on the underlying cause of the asymmetry.
What Is Crossbite and Why Can It Make the Face Look Asymmetrical?
Crossbite occurs when some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside as they normally should. This condition may affect:
The front teeth (anterior crossbite)
The back teeth (posterior crossbite)
Only one side of the mouth (unilateral crossbite)
When crossbite occurs on one side, the lower jaw often shifts sideways to find a bite position that feels more comfortable. Over time, this functional shift may lead to:
A visibly asymmetrical jaw
A chin that appears shifted
One side of the face looking more dominant
Muscle tension and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort
In many cases, facial asymmetry due to crossbite is not primarily caused by jawbone abnormalities, but rather by malocclusion or an imbalanced bite.
Can Invisalign Correct Crossbite Without Surgery?
Invisalign is a transparent aligner system that works by applying gradual, controlled pressure to move teeth into a more ideal position.
In mild to moderate crossbite cases, Invisalign can:
Widen the dental arch (arch expansion in mild to moderate cases)
Correct bite discrepancies
Restore occlusal balance
Improve the appearance of a jaw that looks tilted when closing or biting
If facial asymmetry is caused by jaw deviation due to tooth positioning rather than significant skeletal abnormalities, correcting crossbite without surgery is often possible.
In such cases, once the bite returns to a balanced position, the face may naturally appear more symmetrical.
When Is Invisalign Not Enough?
Not all cases of facial asymmetry caused by crossbite can be corrected with aligners alone.
If the underlying cause involves:
Significant jaw growth imbalance
Noticeable size differences between the right and left jaws
Severe skeletal asymmetry present since developmental years
Orthodontic treatment alone may not be sufficient. In certain cases, a combination of orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery may be required to achieve optimal and stable results.
However, many adult patients present with functional asymmetry, not structural asymmetry. This means the jaw appears shifted due to bite compensation or habitual positioning, not because the bones are inherently unequal in length.
Accurate diagnosis through comprehensive clinical evaluation and radiographic analysis is essential to determine whether the asymmetry is functional or skeletal.
The Added Value of Invisalign: Aesthetic Comfort During Treatment
Beyond corrective potential, many adult patients consider comfort and aesthetics during treatment.
Key advantages of Invisalign include:
Nearly invisible appearance
Removable for eating and oral hygiene
More comfortable than conventional braces
Minimal disruption to professional and social activities
For patients who wish to correct crossbite without compromising their appearance during treatment, Invisalign offers a highly relevant solution.
The 360° Smile Philosophy at Onyx Dental Center
At Onyx, we do not focus solely on crowded teeth or uneven bites. We evaluate the relationship between teeth, jaw, muscles, and facial structure as a whole.
Before determining whether Invisalign alone is sufficient or whether a combined approach is necessary, we conduct:
Comprehensive facial analysis
Evaluation of jaw symmetry and joint function
Thorough occlusal assessment
Digital planning to project the desired changes
Our goal is not merely to straighten teeth, but to restore facial balance in a harmonious and stable way.
Conclusion
Facial asymmetry caused by crossbite can be corrected without surgery if the underlying cause is functional deviation due to an imbalanced bite.
However, if the asymmetry is skeletal and significant, Invisalign alone may not be sufficient, and a combined orthodontic and surgical approach should be considered.
The most important step is not choosing the treatment appliance first, but obtaining an accurate diagnosis to determine whether the asymmetry is functional or structural.
References
Giancotti, A., & Mampieri, G. (2012). Unilateral canine crossbite correction in adults using the Invisalign method: A case report. Orthodontics (Chicago, Ill.), 13, 122–127. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gianluca-Mampieri/publication/224920303_Unilateral_canine_crossbite_correction_in_adults_using_the_Invisalign_method_A_case_report/links/56649ae508ae15e74632f4bf/Unilateral-canine-crossbite-correction-in-adults-using-the-Invisalign-method-A-case-report.pdf
Invisalign. (n.d.). Crossbite. Retrieved February 16, 2026, from https://www.invisalign.com/resources/treatable-cases/crossbite
Zhang, L., Cao, C., Ma, T., Zhang, Y., Bi, Z., & Liu, D. (2024). Classification and characterization of facial asymmetry in adult patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion using cluster analysis. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2024.05.012
